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The upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections in November 2024 have witnessed a significant development with the entry of Fahad Ahmad, husband of Bollywood actor Swara Bhaskar, into the political arena. He has joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar, aligning himself with the faction that stands apart from the Ajit Pawar faction. This move signifies a strategic alliance ahead of the polls, adding another layer of complexity to the already competitive political landscape.
Fahad Ahmad, previously holding the position of state president of the Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha, the youth wing of the Samajwadi Party Maharashtra Pradesh, has been fielded by the NCP from the Anushakti Nagar seat. His candidature marks a shift in political allegiances, potentially influencing the electoral dynamics in the constituency. NCP leader Jayant Patil, addressing a press conference, highlighted Fahad Ahmad's educational background and his past activism, emphasizing the party's belief in his potential to resonate with voters.
Fahad Ahmad expressed gratitude to NCP chief Sharad Pawar for facilitating his entry into the party, highlighting the historical connection and shared ideology between the Samajwadi Party and the NCP. He underscored the significance of the upcoming elections in providing an opportunity for change in the state's political landscape, drawing a contrast between the ruling government and the combined force of the Samajwadi Party and the NCP. This rhetoric underscores the strategic alliance between the two parties, highlighting their shared goals and aspirations.
The Maharashtra Assembly Elections will see the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, composed of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Congress, and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), contesting for power. The alliance has finalized its seat-sharing arrangement, with 85 seats allocated to each party, while the remaining 23 seats will be decided based on their respective candidate lists. This agreement signifies a united front, aiming to challenge the incumbent government in the upcoming polls.
The 2019 Assembly elections saw the BJP emerge as the largest party with 105 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 56 and the Congress with 44. The 2014 elections had witnessed a similar pattern, with the BJP securing 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42. The upcoming elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with all parties strategizing and mobilizing their resources to secure victory. The entry of Fahad Ahmad into the fray, coupled with the MVA alliance's seat-sharing arrangement, adds another dimension to the complex political equation in Maharashtra.